Candace

I love books! All kinds... classics, mysteries, Christian fiction, suspense and action! I'm also a sucker for anything romantic. ;) And just recently started getting into some non-fiction, philosophical books.

The Hobbit

Like every other hobbit, Bilbo Baggins likes nothing better than a quiet evening in his snug hole in the ground, dining on a sumptuous dinner in front of a fire. But when a wandering wizard captivates him with tales of the unknown, Bilbo becomes restless. Soon he joins the wizard’s band of homeless dwarves in search of giant spiders, savage wolves, and other dangers. Bilbo quickly tires of the quest for adventure and longs for the security of his familiar home. But before he can return to his life of comfort, he must face the greatest threat of all.

I am so glad that this is finally available on Audible! The book is one of my favorites, great all ages. Full of elves, dwarfs, dragons, wizards, goblins, giant spiders... Absolutely fun and engrossing.

I love the narrator as well. He brings the characters to life and his voice is very pleasant to listen to.

Anyone can, and should, enjoy this book. It was written for everyone! As another reviewer said, this is a book (and series) that defined the genre of fantasy. I can't wait to listen to all of them.

And THANK YOU Audible for, when finally releasing the series, and knowing it would be popular, having each book only 1 credit. Certainly worth more, but it means that people who haven't read these amazing books are more likely to take the leap and find themselves enchanted.

I plan on fully enjoying the next 65 hours and 17 minutes of my listening.

Attachments: A Novel

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder, coworkers at The Courier, know the newspaper monitors their office e-mail. But they still spend all day sending each other messages, gossiping about their coworkers, and baring their personal lives like an open book. Jennifer tells Beth everything she can’t seem to tell her husband about her anxieties over starting a family. And Beth tells Jennifer everything, period. Meanwhile, Lincoln O’Neill still can’t believe that it’s his job to monitor other people’s e-mail.

This is a book I wouldn't have purchased had I not seen it for sale on the Daily Deal. For $2, I thought I'd take a chance and boy did it pay out.

I was on a road trip so I was able to listen to it in it's entirety in one day. I laughed, I cried, I longed for the ending I wanted but couldn't see how in the world it would ever happen. It was an incredible LIFE story... Love, life, family, friends, coming of age...if it can be called that being about a guy in his late 20s. It was so enjoyable and definitely had it's twists and turns. There were predictable moments too, but not in a bad way at all. I loved the humor, the silliness, and the overall "realness" the story had. It felt like these were actually people that could exist, and they were people I wanted to know and hang out with. Well, all except for his Lincoln's friend Justin.

I liked that it was CLEAN. No graphic sex or anything of that nature. Justin had an obsession with the F-word though. But it was his character. I feel like we all know "THAT guy" and we all kind of despise that guy... but he had his moments. Just be prepared for a ton of cussing whenever he's involved in a chapter. I share my books with my parents, and this is one I WISH I could share, but I know they don't like swearing and would not appreciate listening to it, despite how good the rest of the book was.

SO. READ it. It was an easy listen, but with humor, romance, friendship, heartache, tragedy and gumption. Definitely a repeat listen, and a high recommendation from me. Enjoy!

Full Steam Ahead

When Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston from an eastern finishing school, she's stunned to find her father in ill health. Though she loves him, he's only ever focused on what she's not. Not male. Not married. Not able to run their family business, Renard Shipping. Vowing to secure a suitable marriage partner, Nicole sets out with the Renard family's greatest treasure: a dagger personally gifted to Nicole's father by the pirate Jean Lafitte.

I've been a HUGE Karen Witemeyer fan since I first read "A Tailor Made Bride." "Full Steam Ahead" didn't feel like the author I fell for in that first novel. While parts of the story were very good, I didn't connect with the characters as I had in her previous novels. It's something that I can't pinpoint, or put my finger on, but it was frustrating. I loved the historical aspect of the story, and the science behind the steam engines, but it seemed like so much was repeated, plot lines were emphasized and re-emphasized again, and I wanted more than that. Frankly, I expected more than that.

A big issue was probably the narration. Yet again, 2nd book in a row, an old sounding narrator for a book about young people. I honestly feel like had the book had a better narrator, one that didn't speak so slowly, or emphasize certain words the same way every time like, "Lafitte Dagger," it would have been smoother, and I could have connected more to the characters. Now, Carine Montbertrand was definitely not as bad as the narrator for "Stealing the Preacher." That's a book I had to return and buy in print. Looking back, I might buy this one as well and re-read it.

I felt like giving the overall rating of this book a 3 out of 5, but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt by making it a 4. I enjoyed the story, I liked how the characters met and interacted, but there was a disconnect somewhere.

Definitely worth the credit if you're a fan of Karen Witemeyer, or enjoy a nice easy listening Christian romance. It's just not up to the level I expected based on her previous works.

Bridge to Haven

To those who matter in 1950s Hollywood, Lena Scott is the hottest rising star to hit the silver screen since Marilyn Monroe. Few know her real name is Abra. Even fewer know the price she' s paid to finally feel like she' s somebody. To Pastor Ezekiel Freeman, Abra will always be the little girl who stole his heart the night he found her, a wailing newborn abandoned under a bridge on the outskirts of Haven.

As a HUGE Francine Rivers fan, I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed in her two latest books (The Marta's Legacy Series). While good books, I felt they lacked the connection to the characters that I'd come to love about her other books. Whether it was the narration or the writing, I felt disconnected and disappointed.

Bridge to Haven is back to the Francine Rivers I adore. Redeeming Love and the Mark of the Lion series are my favorites by her, and Bridge to Haven is in their caliber. I laughed out loud, I cried, and I sang along with the Hymns that I recognized. The setting is fantastic, 40s-50s California, with references to all the old stars. Aubra will connect to so many girls/women of today, who feel they need to change themselves in order to be loved, that they have to be perfect or be discarded. It's a wonderful, touching, at times tragic, and at times lusty (did I just say lusty in reference to a Christian romance!?).

Francine finds a way to describe what Aubra goes through in regards to her search for love (ie: what normally are referred to as sex scenes but really aren't in this book). You experiences what she does, and are in the situation, without the graphic-ness that a secular book would have. If that's an issue, please don't let it deter you from the book. It's integral to the story, and is very tastefully written.

It's the best book I've read in a very long time. Francine Rivers books are always a cut above the rest and have a realness to them, and a way of the workings of God that a lot of other Christian fiction books tend to ignore in place of their own agendas. Francine's books are there to show us God's love for us, and Bridge to Haven does just that in a well written, hauntingly beautiful tale of a young girl searching for love and her place in the world.

Once Upon a Prince: The Royal Wedding Series, Book 1

A royal prince. An ordinary girl. An extraordinary royal wedding. Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by bestselling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale. Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess - just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school sweetheart breaks up with her instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

I hesitated buying it because it seemed cliche and just plain silly for a concept. But I found myself falling for the characters. And oddly enough, I was sold on the story. It became believable and sweet, romantic and real. The author created the world of Brighton and incorporated it into our world in such a way as to make the reader accept it without question.

Of course it's still a bit cliche, and silly, and a bit sappy, but while I don't usually like those things, I did in this story. I loved the characters and felt for them. It was a book that should have been just ok, but that I felt myself really enjoying.

Also, I thought she incorporated Christianity into it in such a way that made it part of the story. My pet peeve with Christian literature is when the author throws Christianity in as an afterthought. I like all kinds of literature, but if a Christian novel isn't centered on Christ, then what's the point?

The Hunt

Don’t Sweat. Don’t Laugh. Don’t draw attention to yourself. And most of all, whatever you do, do not fall in love with one of them. Gene is different from everyone else around him. He can’t run with lightning speed, sunlight doesn’t hurt him and he doesn’t have an unquenchable lust for blood. Gene is a human, and he knows the rules.

I really enjoyed this book, FAR more than I expected. The story had me on the edge of my seat almost the whole time. INCREDIBLY action packed. I finished it in 3 days... and I haven't been on a road trip or anything! It took the place of television, especially the last day when I started and finished part 2. I was on the edge of my seat the last 5 hours. It was insane!

It's a great take on the vampire genre, bringing in the weird and intense differences between vampires and humans. It's got all of the elements of a great dystopian survivor story. It's very hard to explain or go on about this book without giving things away. LOTS of twists and turns! As I said, I couldn't stop listening and am planning on purchasing The Prey (book 2) when I finish writing this review.

WORD OF WARNING!This book does have it's gross moments. The vampires salivate at the thought of humans (heepers) but they talk about how the drool runs down their chins and pools on the desks and floor. Thick blood dripping down their chins as they eat bloody raw meat drips into a bowl that fills up and they drink it at the end of the meal. There's also a couple VERY vivid descriptions about what happens to certain vampires in sunlight. I DID gag a couple times.

But all of that creates such an amazing picture of the world of the book, and I felt it added to the fear and intensity, although it grossed me out a bit.

Scary, exciting, mysterious and action packed, I don't understand why The Hunt doesn't have more of a following!

Splitting Harriet

In this ACFW 2008 Book of the Year by CBA best-selling author Tamara Leigh, a Tennessee woman finds herself torn between the traditional faith of her father and the hip new ways of an infuriating charmer. Harriet becomes concerned when a brash consultant brings newfangled changes to her church. But if this former bad boy thinks he's going to take her for a ride on his motorcycle, he's crazy!

There, you were warned. And that being said, this is an incredibly well written Christian book. After the prologue, my eyes were watery and I was just... "woah." More so than her other novel on here, "Perfecting Kate" (also fantastic, I highly recommend), this book has a LOT to do with God and the inner workings of the church, the fear of a split, the enormous pressure put on the family's of pastors and how, even though God forgives, people remember. Not a book to recommend to non-Christians. But Christians should definitely read this book.

Not only does it tackle the difficult business of modernizing a church, not alienating the older generation, but finding a way to bring everyone together, it's strong message on forgiveness is one that we all need a reminder on sometimes. And really, there is so much more. She completely captured church life, and the fear of "growing" a church.

I didn't find the book to be too slow. If it was paced faster, or abridged, you would miss the growth of the characters, why they change and why things happen, and the understanding of the characters' personalities. I like my books and movies to be about the characters, to know them, to feel their pain and their joy, and this book most certainly did that.

I was incredibly surprised by a pleasant find when I purchased "Perfecting Kate" on a whim. I have no idea what took me so long to get Splitting Harriet... Probably the idea of being disappointed after having my hopes up so high, expecting another great book. I needn't have worried. In all honesty, after just 2 books, Tamara Leigh has become my second favorite Christian author after Francine Rivers. Not only are her books fun and comedic, they are intense and deal with real issues. The integration of God into the lives of the characters and not just being an afterthought is what REAL Christian fiction is about. The characters aren't perfect, they struggle, and they overcome. I HIGHLY recommend this book to any Christian.

ps. There are many more books by Tamara Leigh, but they aren't in audio-form yet. I hope that this changes soon. I will definitely be purchasing the paperbacks of those and hope they become available soon.

The Wedding Dress

Charlotte owns a Birmingham bridal boutique. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can’t she find the perfect dress - or feel certain she should marry Tim? Then Charlotte purchases a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new, shimmering with pearls and satin, hand stitched and timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress.

I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I downloaded this book for a road trip I was taking and wanted something easy-listen. I've had a lot of thinking/action books lately and wanted something more simple. I enjoyed the back and forth between the past and the present. I could see where they were going with it a bit early on, but one part near the end did surprise me. It was a fun listen, worth your credit if you like Christian Romance. I'm very picky about my Christian literature because I like good writing, likable characters, and a plot that makes sense and makes me feel for the people involved. This book did those things and it was an enjoyable listen. The narration was also easy to listen to and pleasant. Best book ever!?!? No. Would I highly recommend it? Eh... I'd recommend it, but not highly. It was nice. Not an amazing work of literature, but I'm willing to check out more by this author based on this book.

A Lady of High Regard

Born into affluence, Mia Stanley is a winsome socialite with a knack for matchmaking. She's also a writer for Godey's Lady's Book magazine, much to the dismay of her family - and their society friends. A proper young lady of her social standing isn't meant to labor in such a way, but Mia has always had a way with words.

Would you consider the audio edition of A Lady of High Regard to be better than the print version?

I think that the reader/listener would get the same impact of the story in either format.

What did you like best about this story?

That it was a simple easy listen. It's what I pretty much expected when I bought it. I just wanted something that I didn't have to put too much into while listening to it, and it did just the job. Cute sweet story with a bit of a mystery and intrigue to it.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't really say that one scene was my favorite.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really.

Any additional comments?

The character seemed to repeat a LOT of the information over and over again. I don't think it was necessary to repeat the plight of the seamen's wives over and over again with each person that the main character talked to. It was at LEAST 5 people she relays the info to and each time it's the exact same description. As a reader, I found it a bit annoying and was like, "ok, let's just get on with the story already!" The same happened with other information and conversations throughout the book, which is why I gave the story 3 stars instead of 4.

The main character was a bit immature and slightly annoying. As smart as she seemed to be, she made some really dumb choices. Also, I expect a lot in my Christian romance stories, and as good as this one, it seemed a bit labored in the religious area. Like the author had the story and was like, "oh, I'm a Christian author... better put in some Christianity." It felt out of place instead of being an integral part of the story. It would have been the perfect opportunity for the main character to share the Lord with the seamen's wives who had been taken advantage of, and to have them all pray together or something, and for it to be spread in that way. But I feel this was a completely missed opportunity on the author's part.

Simple easy listen to a cute story. Some annoyances, but overall cute. I'll most likely get the rest of the series for the heck of it.

Stealing the Preacher

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape - which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request. For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will....

I've listened to MANY books, a few of which had horrible narrators. I couldn't get past the first 15 minutes of this book. WHY!? WHY would you pick such a person to narrate the book after how GREAT the last 4 were!? I had been looking forward to this story for a while, as I've become a fan of the author, but I couldn't listen to this book.

So I bought it and read it. And it was great! It continues the story of the Archer brothers, following Crockett on his way to becoming a preacher. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Crockett maintained his teasing character from Short Straw Bride and his love interest, Joanna, was incredibly sweet. I was intrigued, laughed out loud, and finished the book in 2 days.

I'm so glad I read it instead of having the narrator's voice in my head for hours. I think one of the main problems was that she sounds old. But I could get over that. I think it's that she kept a very pronounced Texas accent during the descriptions and narrative parts, not just in the dialogue, which I think is more normal, isn't it? I'm sure the narrator would be great in something else, but after such great books with excellent narration in the past, I was disappointed to the point of not even being able to listen to the book.

If you can get over the narrator, definitely get this one. If you can't, PLEASE get the regular copy. This author's book deserves so much more.

My favorite book by Karen Witemeyer is "To Win Her Heart" followed by "Short Straw Bride." I highly recommend them.

The Everlasting Man

Few people had a more profound effect on Christianity in the 20th century than G. K. Chesterton. The Everlasting Man, written in response to an anti-Christian history of humans penned by H.G. Wells, is considered Chesterton’s masterpiece. In it, he explains Christ’s place in history, asserting that the Christian myth carries more weight than other mythologies for one simple reason—it is the truth.

I have to say, as someone who lives for fiction novels, this book by G.K. Chesterton was water to my philosophical soul. I don't think I've ever enjoyed a non-fiction book so much. Chesterton has such a brilliant mind, I had to sometimes rewind certain parts just to listen again. Honestly, he should be required reading for any philosophy student, or any Christian for that matter. It's such a difficult book to explain, but I loved it. I have purchased but have yet to listen to Orthodoxy and Heretics, though I've been told this one, The Everlasting Man, is his best. I have a book of his complete essays as well, which are absolutely hilarious, as well as poignant. I hope that those will be narrated soon as well.

I highly recommend this book to any Christian, and any open-minded non-christian who likes things plainly spoken in a brilliant use of language. Better than C.S. Lewis in my opinion.

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